Identification & Site Information

Vessel Type & Function

A lumber Schooner typical of mid-19th century Great Lakes commerce, dedicated to hauling timber across Lake Michigan. Powered solely by sail and crewed for freight work.

Circumstances of Loss

During one of the most severe summer storms recorded on Lake Michigan, Gladiator capsized and sank. The storm’s intensity propelled the helpless hulk around for nearly two weeks, posing a significant hazard to navigation, before finally sinking two miles off the Chicago Marine Hospital (wisconsinshipwrecks.org, greatlakesrex.wordpress.com).

Final Disposition & Site Hazards

  • The hulk drifted for up to 14 days, creating a floating navigational hazard.
  • Ultimately sank in deep enough water to remove immediate danger to surface vessels.
  • Exact resting coordinates are unconfirmed, but approximate area is known.

Located By & Wreck Discovery

  • No formal wreck discovery or dive survey has been documented.
  • Resting location remains presumed in Lake Michigan near Chicago, based on drift patterns and storm data.

NOTMARs & Navigational Warnings

  • No official Notice to Mariners was issued at the time.
  • Historical accounts note the floating hazard, but modern charts do not list Gladiator.

Resources & References

Conclusion & Significance

Gladiator’s destruction in July 1890 exemplifies the unpredictable and brutal nature of Great Lakes summer storms. Though no lives were lost, the month-long drifting wreck underlines the perils of sail-only vessels and hazardous conditions. Absent modern survey work, the wreck remains scientifically valuable for deep-water archaeology, likely lying in mid-lake depths—best explored via ROV survey.

Keywords & Categories

  • Region: Lake Michigan (Chicago)
  • Vessel Type: Lumber Schooner
  • Cause of Loss: Severe storm, capsizing
  • Year: 1890
  • Casualties: None
  • Dive Potential: Very low (unlocated, likely deep water)